The History of Labor Day

When you think about Labor Day, what comes to mind? Do you think of summer’s end? Fall’s approach? Another school year? Vacations past? The history of Labor Day?

Under the assumption that many people don’t think about the history of Labor Day when they think about the holiday, we thought it would be nice to take a moment to share the history. According to the United States Department of Labor, Labor Day is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is one day during the year paying tribute to American workers who have contributed to the strength, prosperity and well-being of our country.

While Labor Day is more than 100 years old, the question of who proposed Labor Day has never been definitively answered. Some records indicate Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor, and Matthew McGuire, secretary of the Central Labor Union, have each been connected in some way with this tribute to American workers.

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882 in New York City and was planned and attended by the Central Labor Union as a demonstration and picnic. The Central Labor Union held the second Labor Day on Wednesday, September 5, 1883. In 1884, the Central Labor Union adopted the first Monday in September as the official Labor Day holiday and urged similar organizations in other cities to follow their example in promoting a “workingman’s holiday.” With labor unions across the country supporting this idea, Labor Day was honored in many industrial centers in 1885.

Over the next decade, several states, including Connecticut, passed legislation recognizing Labor Day as a holiday. On June 28, 1894, the United States Congress followed suit by passing an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal national holiday. This year, in addition to the many things that Labor Day signifies for you, remember that this is the only day during the year created to pay tribute to America’s working men and women. We hope you take advantage of this day by enjoying a safe and relaxing weekend. Happy Labor Day!